back to life

I love history, particularly ancient history and Turkey is rich in it. We were spoilt for choice in the area and managed to cover a great distance in our old convertible, even though the petrol gauge was broken and we never really knew how much petrol we had, so we had to carry a can full in the boot just in case we ran out in the middle of nowhere.

Our first port of call was Amos, a small hillside city near the village of Turunc. After a bracing and heart quickening hike upwards we were rewarded with the most spectacular views of the coastline, sea and mountains, it was truly breathtaking. All that remains of the city itself was the city wall, the amphitheatre and odd bits of stone such as statue plinths.

It’s thought that the city dates back to the Hellenistic period of history, 300 to 50 BC, and was inhabited until the Byzantine period. The amphitheatre would have seated 1300 people in it’s hey day, the first 4 rows are still almost intact and the orchestra area and stage are still well preserved.

It’s uncertain but historians believe the name from the Greek word αµµᴏҁ meaning sand.

For our next historical visit the next day we wanted to see the middle age castle at Hisaronu. But after finding the village and the beach that led to the castle road, we were disappointed to find out that the road leading up to the castle was blocked and we couldn’t go and see it.

Not to be put off we carried on around the bay and saw the sight known as Kiz Kumu, maidens sand. According to legend the daughter of the Bybassos king tried to escape from pirates but couldn’t swim so she filled her skirts with sand and put it in the water so she could cross the bay, but it got dark and she ran out of sand and drowned.

The remains of the ancient city of Bybassos can be seen on top of the island in the bay.

It was an amazing sight and we had a great day, the only downside was the daylight robbery at the marina club that charged us 26 lira for 2 teas and 2 coffees!!!!

Next stop Cnidos…..